What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Betaine
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Propanediol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Betaine, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide 3, Ethyl Linoleate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientBenzoic Acid
Masking
Ceteareth-12
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pantolactone
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
